Working at the polls a rewarding endeavor

By Edward Blizard Jr.

Published: Friday, November 9, 2012 at 05:59 PM.

To the editor:

As an Onslow County poll worker, I would like to thank Rose Whitehurst and her staff for their hard work in preparing for the Nov. 6 general election. They quickly and effectively responded to a couple of issues that came up to ensure the voting process was not impacted.

Yes, the lines were long, but this happens once every four years. Early voting eliminated much longer lines. Some of the wait was caused by voters trying to vote in the wrong precinct. Remember voters, you must vote in the precinct nearest your home on Election Day. A call to the Board of Elections will verify where you need to vote.

Also, make sure they have your current name and address in the system. A lot of folks had to vote by provisional ballot and were surprised to learn their vote would not be counted on election night, so please make sure the board has your correct information in advance.

A few voters were concerned their ballot would be lost in the system. Rest assured, the Authorization to Vote form you signed prior to receiving your ballot is numbered and recorded. The total number of ballots must exactly match the number of ATV forms.

My four years as a poll worker have allowed me to meet some of our finest citizens who really care about people. The long 17 hours spent working with them was tiring, but rewarding. I thank them for their service.

Thank you, voters, for performing your civic duty in voting for your leaders of this great country.

And finally, God bless the Board of Elections staff for their continued dedication and attention to detail. You are all very much appreciated.

Edward Blizard Jr. Jacksonville

Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published
without permission. Links are encouraged.

As an Onslow County poll worker, I would like to thank Rose Whitehurst and her staff for their hard work in preparing for the Nov. 6 general election. They quickly and effectively responded to a couple of issues that came up to ensure the voting process was not impacted.

Yes, the lines were long, but this happens once every four years. Early voting eliminated much longer lines. Some of the wait was caused by voters trying to vote in the wrong precinct. Remember voters, you must vote in the precinct nearest your home on Election Day. A call to the Board of Elections will verify where you need to vote.

Also, make sure they have your current name and address in the system. A lot of folks had to vote by provisional ballot and were surprised to learn their vote would not be counted on election night, so please make sure the board has your correct information in advance.

A few voters were concerned their ballot would be lost in the system. Rest assured, the Authorization to Vote form you signed prior to receiving your ballot is numbered and recorded. The total number of ballots must exactly match the number of ATV forms.

My four years as a poll worker have allowed me to meet some of our finest citizens who really care about people. The long 17 hours spent working with them was tiring, but rewarding. I thank them for their service.

Thank you, voters, for performing your civic duty in voting for your leaders of this great country.

And finally, God bless the Board of Elections staff for their continued dedication and attention to detail. You are all very much appreciated.